AUSTIN, Texas — After shutting its doors to customers to prevent the spread of COVID-19, several Austin-area malls are reopening after Gov. Greg Abbott announced his plan to gradually reopen Texas businesses starting on May 1.
Simon Property Group, which owns several malls in the Austin area, announced it would be reopening its properties on Friday, but not all mall stores will be open. Food courts and play areas in malls will be closed, and customers will be asked to wear masks.
"The stores are taking it very seriously. Some stores are open for in-store shopping and are following that 25% capacity," said Irma Castor, the general manager at The Domain. "They are making appointments with their customers and letting them in gradually or just maintaining that capacity."
Castor said they reduced The Domain hours to allow for more time to disinfect and clean the area. The Domain is now open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Shoppers will also notice changes to the property so it is in line with the guidelines. The changes include benches that have been spaced out or marked off, signs reminding people to social distance and hand sanitizer around the property.
These Austin-area malls will reopen on Friday, May 1:
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Additionally, the Second Street District in Downtown Austin said the following tenants will be open:
The Domain Northside said the following would be open starting Friday:
Cyclone Anaya, Free People, Perry’s, Salvation Pizza, Taverna, Tommy Bahama Home, Viva Day Spa (retail only) and Yard House.
For the stores that are open, hours will be reduced for cleaning. Safety purposes will be in place to ensure that customers are social distancing such as putting decals on the floors, taping every other sink and keeping drinking fountains closed.
Simon said it will provide face masks to customers who ask for them and will have temperature checks available.
PHOTOS: The Domain reopens with new social distancing rules
Washington Primer Group, the property owner of the Shops at Arbor Walk; the Arboretum and Gateway Centers, said reopening dates vary by individual tenants.
For updates on openings at these locations, check out the links below.
Barton Creek:
The Domain:
Lakeline Mall:
Round Rock Outlets:
San Marcos Outlets:
If you know of any other Austin malls reopening, let KVUE know by emailing kvuedigital@kvue.com.
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